In a move that underscores his reliance on close allies, President-elect Donald Trump announced significant appointments to the Justice Department, naming members of his criminal defence team to top positions. On Thursday, Trump unveiled that Todd Blanche would serve as deputy attorney general, while John Sauer, who achieved a major legal victory at the Supreme Court for Trump, would take on the role of solicitor general. Additionally, Emil Bove, another member of Trump’s defence team, was selected as principal associate deputy attorney general.
These appointments reveal Trump’s preference for individuals who have been firmly in his corner, particularly during high-profile legal battles. Blanche and Bove have been integral figures in Trump’s defence during some of the most contentious legal challenges the former president has faced. The duo played leading roles in the Manhattan hush-money case, which culminated in a conviction earlier this year, as well as the federal classified documents prosecution, which was ultimately dismissed this past summer. Blanche was also involved in Trump’s defense concerning the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
As deputy attorney general, Blanche will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and advising the attorney general on policy matters and priorities. Blanche’s new role will put him at the forefront of DOJ activities, a key position that could greatly influence federal law enforcement during Trump’s second term.
Blanche’s career trajectory has been notably shaped by his work in both the public and private sectors. Before stepping into the role of a defence attorney for Trump, Blanche was a federal prosecutor. He later transitioned to private practice, working at the prestigious New York law firm, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, where he was a partner. When he joined Trump’s legal team last year, he left his position at Cadwalader, dedicating himself entirely to defending the former president.
Blanche was instrumental in the cross-examination of Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, during the hush money trial. He clashed on multiple occasions with Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the case. Merchan went as far as questioning Blanche’s credibility when he tried to justify Trump’s violations of the court’s gag order.
John Sauer, Trump’s pick for solicitor general, may have had one of the most significant legal wins of the year. He successfully argued Trump’s presidential immunity case before the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in Trump’s favour. The court’s decision affirmed that presidents are entitled to immunity from prosecution for actions taken during their tenure in office. This ruling not only benefited Trump by helping him evade federal charges but could also play a pivotal role in the ongoing appeal in the New York business fraud criminal case.
“John is a deeply accomplished, masterful appellate attorney, who clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia in the United States Supreme Court, served as Solicitor General of Missouri for six years, and has extensive experience practicing before the U.S. Supreme Court and other Appellate Courts,” Trump said in a statement, praising Sauer’s credentials.
The solicitor general is tasked with representing the U.S. government before the Supreme Court, overseeing which cases the government pursues and making legal arguments on behalf of federal interests. With Sauer’s experience and success in navigating complex legal terrains, he is seen by Trump as a powerful advocate who can handle high-stakes cases involving the administration.
The announcement of these picks comes amid Trump’s broader effort to reconfigure the Justice Department’s top ranks for his second term, with many of his selections being individuals who have shown fierce loyalty to him in legal battles. These appointments may also be viewed as more traditional compared to his choice of attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, known for his staunch political stance and outspoken support for Trump.
With these roles filled by close allies, Trump appears to be assembling a legal team at the DOJ that mirrors the defence team that fought in his corner during his most legally turbulent times. This move could signal the type of legal strategy and policies that will shape the DOJ’s direction in the upcoming term.